The Reason Why Hamburgers Aren’t Called Ground Beef Sandwiches
Why are hamburgers not called ground beef sandwiches? Probably because someone with a lot more marketing sense than you got to name them.
Almost everyone knows that you can buy a product called “hamburger” which traditionally refers to a sandwich containing cooked hamburger patties. Before, we used to call these sandwiches “hamburgers,” short for “hamburgers and sandwich.” However, this practice brought a lot of confusion when different meats, including pork and chicken, could be included. In some cases, even ‘filler’ was added, something uncertain in composition. In recent years, the government began to emphasize the use of 100% ground beef, and thus, we still call the resulting sandwich a ‘hamburger’ for the sake of consistency.
The Origin of Hamburgers
To understand the reasoning behind the term, it’s essential to delve into the origins and history of hamburgers. One answer lies in the fact that hamburger comes from Hamburg, Germany. This could be the reason why the sandwich is often referred to as a hamburger, even though it does not contain any ham. Furthermore, some sandwiches are served on buns, which might lead to the confusion. However, hamburgers are a unique creation, and they have a rich historical background that traces back to the Tatars, a nomadic people who invaded Central Asia and Eastern Europe during the Middle Ages.
The Meat and Preparation
The short answer is that it came from Hamburg, Germany. This explanation, however, is somewhat perplexing when you consider how other German food items, like the Frankfurter (hot dog) coming from Frankfurt, Germany, exist. So, why is a dish with shredded raw beef called a hamburger, while a dish made from processed cooked beef serves up as a hot dog?
The preparation of hamburger meat is a critical factor in distinguishing it from a ground beef sandwich. While the meat is usually ground to a slurry, it is more accurately described as minced meat, not ground. Therefore, the term minced beef rather than ground beef is more appropriate. Additionally, the meat is not loose like in a bolognese sauce but formed into a patty. In essence, a burger is a hamburg or hamburger, not a sandwich in the traditional sense, which is a filling between two slices of bread.
Final Thoughts
It is clear that the term ‘hamburger’ is deeply ingrained in the culinary history of the United States. Even though modern-day hamburgers are made from ground beef, the term has persisted due to its historical connotations and marketing sensibilities. Moreover, the term 'hamburger' is far more succinct and easily recognizable than a longer phrase such as ‘ground beef sandwich.’